License Plate Scanners Can Read Yours In Mere Seconds

Police officers in New Jersey have been able to "run your plates" for quite some time, but with an advanced piece of equipment that's gaining popularity across the state, they can do it much quicker and essentially without lifting a finger.

Aleksandra Glustsenko, ThinkStock

Once activated by an officer, the automatic license plate reader, or ALPR, can scan the license plates of most vehicles that pass by. And within seconds, the officer would be alerted of a stolen vehicle, expired registration, suspended license or other foul play.

The system can also help police find a common link between a string of robberies or drug drop-offs. With the location of each incident, officials can utilize the ALPR to pinpoint identical license plates that show up at more than one scene.

Al Della Fave, public affairs director with the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office, said 15 police departments in the county use the tool, and about 25 units are currently in operation.